The 42nd L.A. Roadster Show, Trade Show, and Swap Meet

So, how do you tell if someone's dad is a street rodder? It's easy if the offspring in question knows not to buy the old man a necktie on Father's Day but instead send him to the L.A Roadsters' show and swap meet. For lots of pops, and many others as well, this annual happening is not to be missed.

Now in its 42nd year, this year's event was held June 17-18, marking the 27th year that it has been held at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona, California. This particular venue is a perfect place for the weekend's happenings-it's big, access is good, and the weather usually cooperates (although it can be a tad on the warm side).

Over the years, the club members have developed a simple format for the weekend. The big attraction, of course, is the huge array of 1936-and-earlier roadsters. There has previously been some grumbling concerning the club's rigid requirements for entry into the display area, since roadsters have to be finished and have glossy paint-no cars, no matter how special, are allowed in with primer or the now-popular patina. If your ride meets the criteria, the car, its driver, and one passenger get in for free, and you go home with an engraved pewter mug on Sunday afternoon. And while some detractors see the policy as somewhat stuffy, the truth is, it makes for a very impressive presentation of topless machines. It's not an exaggeration to say that this display of roadsters is one of the best outdoor car shows in the country.

Another popular element to the two-day event is the specialty parking section. That's where you'll find a host of unique pre-'75 cars, customs, coupes, sedans, and of course heaps of roadsters that are outstanding in their own right but don't meet the criteria for the display area. This is also the place to find complete cars for sale, but what we really like about this area is that wandering around it can be a true source of inspiration. We've seen countless cars that most enthusiasts would never have considered building made into real head-turners. More than one person has gone home from this event with a revamped perspective on what makes a cool ride.

While looking at cars can pretty well occupy the entire weekend, those shopping for new parts and pieces, services, literature, art, or even a new pair of sunglasses need to venture no further than the commercial exhibits. The variety of new parts found in this area is staggering, and it's not unusual for many of them to be new to the market place. Vendors realize this is a savvy audience and they bring along their primo products, and virtually everything needed to build a car from the ground up is available. An often-unexpected bonus is that many retailers offer special prices for the weekend, and at the very least it can be an opportunity to save freight charges on some items you'd normally order and have shipped.

It would be difficult to pick one part of the L.A. Roadsters' weekend as being the highlight of the event, but the swap meet would have to rank right near the top. Like most swap meets, if you're looking for '32 Ford parts, you may want to pack along a letter of credit from your bank. On the other hand, for those who approach a swap meet like a treasure hunt, there are bargains to be had. One guy we know found some rare Milodon pieces for a Chrysler Hemi for next to nothing, but the reality is that most of the rare, highly sought-after parts bring market price. That's the bad news; the good news is normally there are lots of these rare, highly sought-after parts at Father's Day.

This year's Father's Day event was outstanding as ever, but there was one thing missing. Veteran club member and our pal Jack Stewart wasn't fulfilling his usual role as resident dirty old man due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery.

As next Father's Day approaches, make plans to drive your roadster, coupe, sedan, pickup, specialty car, or what have you to Pomona. And if that's out of the question, take a plane, train, or bus. In fact, you can ask your kids to buy the ticket-that would sure beat another necktie.